Environmental sustainability of networking devices and systems

ABSTRACT

Techniques are provided for improving the environmental sustainability of a networking device and/or a networking system. In one example, a sustainability server obtains power consumption data of a networking device on a per-plane basis. Based on the power consumption data, the sustainability server computes an individual sustainability score that indicates a level of environmental sustainability of the networking device. The sustainability server further analyzes the power consumption data on the per-plane basis. In response to analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis, the sustainability server provides a recommendation to implement a change to a configuration or operating parameter of the networking device, or to a networking system that includes the networking device, to improve the individual sustainability score.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to computer networking.

BACKGROUND

Environmental sustainability relates to the concept of conservingnatural resources, ecosystems, and the environment generally.Increasingly, companies are facing immense pressure to improve thetransparency of their sustainability practices. As a result,sustainability can be an essential consideration for businesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a networking system configured to improve theenvironmental sustainability of the networking system and/or of one ormore networking devices in the networking system, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for computing an individualsustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of a networking device, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a collection of graphs that show the results of ananalysis of the power consumption of a networking device over time,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for computing a globalsustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of a networking system and providing a recommendation toimprove the global sustainability score, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for improving theenvironmental sustainability of a networking system, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a visualization that displays sustainabilityinformation relating to a networking system, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a visualization that displays sustainabilityinformation relating to a networking device in a networking system,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a hardware block diagram of a computing deviceconfigured to perform functions associated with operations discussedherein, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method for performing functionsassociated with operations discussed herein, according to an exampleembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

Techniques are provided herein for improving the environmentalsustainability of a networking device and/or a networking system. In oneexample embodiment, a sustainability server obtains power consumptiondata of a networking device on a per-plane basis. Based on the powerconsumption data, the sustainability server computes an individualsustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device. The sustainability serverfurther analyzes the power consumption data on the per-plane basis. Inresponse to analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis,the sustainability server provides a recommendation to implement achange to a configuration or operating parameter of the networkingdevice, or to a networking system that includes the networking device,to improve the individual sustainability score.

Example Embodiments

FIG. 1 illustrates a networking system 100 configured to improve theenvironmental sustainability of networking system 100 and/or of one ormore networking devices in networking system 100, according to anexample embodiment. Networking system 100 includes user device 105,Access Point (AP) 110, cellular radio unit 112, Wireless Local AreaNetwork (LAN) Controller (WLC) 113, mobile core network 114, network115, and sustainability server 120, and data center 125. Data center 125includes a plurality of networking devices, includingfirewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers 140(1)-140(N), and switches145(1)-145(M).

User device 105 may include a computer, an enterprise device, a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA), a laptop, an electronic notebook, a cellulartelephone, a smartphone, a tablet, and/or any other device and/orcombination of devices, components, elements, and/or objects. Userdevice 105 may also include any suitable interface to a human user suchas a microphone, a display, a keyboard, or other terminal equipment.User device 105 may be configured with appropriate hardware (e.g.,processor(s), memory element(s), antennas and/or antenna arrays,baseband processors (modems), and/or the like), software, logic, and/orthe like to facilitate respective over-the-air (air) interfaces foraccessing/connecting to AP 110. User device 105 may be configured toaccess/connect to AP 110 via Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (e.g.,Wi-Fi®) and/or to cellular radio unit 112 via cellular (e.g., 4GLong-Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G New Radio (NR)) technology.

AP 110 may be a WLAN AP configured with appropriate hardware (e.g.,processor(s), memory element(s), antennas and/or antenna arrays,baseband processors (modems), and/or the like), software, logic, and/orthe like to provide over-the-air coverage for a WLAN access network(e.g., a Wi-Fi network). In various embodiments, AP 110 may beimplemented as Wi-Fi APs and/or the like. AP 110 may be configuredover-the-air coverage for a private WLAN access network.

Cellular radio unit 112 may terminate a cellular air interface and maybe configured with appropriate hardware (e.g., processor(s), memoryelement(s), antennas and/or antenna arrays, baseband processors(modems), and/or the like), software, logic, and/or the like to provideover-the-air coverage for a cellular access network (e.g., a 4G or 5Gnetwork). In various embodiments, cellular radio unit 112 may beimplemented as any combination of an evolved Node B (eNB) to facilitate4G LTE air access, a next generation Node B (gNB) to facilitate 5G NRair access, a next generation (nG) radio to facilitate any nextgeneration air access, a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Device(CBSD) to facilitate CBRS access, and/or the like now known or hereafterdeveloped.

Cellular radio unit 112 may provide over-the-air coverage for a privateWLAN or cellular access network (e.g., private Wi-Fi, private 4G LTE,private 5G NR, private CBRS, etc.). The private access network mayprovide network connectivity/services to clients (e.g., user device 105)served by a network operator and/or service provider of the privateaccess network, such as an enterprise. In one example, a private accessnetwork may be considered to be a network that may be implemented toserve enterprise purposes (e.g., business purposes, government purposes,educational purposes, etc.) for enterprise clients (e.g., enterpriseusers/devices/etc.) in which the private access network may be operatedby any combination of traditional mobile network operators/serviceproviders, enterprises network operators/service providers, and/or thirdparty network operators/service providers (e.g., neutral host networkoperators/service providers, cloud service providers, etc.). While FIG.1 depicts AP 110 and cellular radio unit 112 as separate entities, itwill be appreciated that AP 110 and cellular radio unit 112 may beconverged as a single entity configured to provide any combination ofWLAN and cellular accesses.

WLC 113 may be configured to manage AP 110 and facilitate WLAN (e.g.,Wi-Fi) connections via AP 110. Mobile core network 114 may be configuredto manage cellular radio unit 112 and facilitate cellular (e.g., 4G or5G) connections via cellular radio unit 112. While FIG. 1 depicts WLC113 and mobile core network 114 as separate entities, it will beappreciated that WLC 113 and mobile core network 114 may be converged asa single entity configured to provide any combination of WLAN andcellular management services.

Network 115 may be any suitable private or public network configured toconnect user device 105 (via AP 110 and/or cellular radio unit 112) withdata center 125. In one example, network 115 may be a private enterprisenetwork configured for access by users associated with an enterprise. Inanother example, network 115 may be a public network such as theInternet. Network 115 may include multiple networks, such as bothprivate and public networks.

In one specific example, AP 110 and/or cellular radio unit 112 areconfigured to provide over-the-air coverage for a private WLAN orcellular access network, and network 115 is a private enterprisenetwork. In this example, network 115 may include user device 105, AP110, cellular radio unit 112, WLC 113, mobile core network 114, and/ordata center 125, and data center 125 may be configured to performstorage and compute operations on behalf of the enterprise.Sustainability server 120 may be located in network 115 or remotely(e.g., in the cloud).

Data center 125 may be an on-premise data center or a remote data center(e.g., located in the cloud). In addition tofirewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers 140(1)-140(N), and switches145(1)-145(M), data center 125 may include other networking devices. Forexample, data center 125 may include servers configured to performstorage and compute operations. Additionally/alternatively, data center125 may include optical fibers configured to connectfirewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers 140(1)-140(N), and switches145(1)-145(M). In one example, the networking devices in data center 125may be manufactured, shipped, and/or installed by a single vendor.

Firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 may be configured to perform firewallsecurity operations, gateway translation operations, and/orload-balancer distribution operations. While FIG. 1 depictsfirewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 as a single, integrated component,firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 may include disparate components ordevices. For example, firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 may be onefirewall device, one gateway device, and one load-balancer device. Orfirewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 may be one firewall device and onegateway/load-balancer device. Other embodiments may be envisioned.

Firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers 140(1)-140(N), and switches145(1)-145(M) each include data plane components, control planecomponents, and management plane components. More specifically,firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135 includes data plane component 150,control plane component 155, and management plane component 160; routers140(1)-140(N) include data plane components 165(1)-165(N), control planecomponents 170(1)-170(N), and management plane components 175(1)-175(N);and switches 145(1)-145(M) include data plane components 180(1)-180(M),control plane components 185(1)-185(M), and management plane components190(1)-190(M).

As used herein, the term “data plane component” may refer to a componentof a networking device that is configured to perform data planeoperations. A data plane (also known as a “forwarding plane” or “userplane”) refers to a part of the networking device architectureresponsible for forwarding network communications (e.g., packet/frames).Specific examples of data plane components (e.g., data plane component150, data plane components 165(1)-165(N), and data plane components180(1)-180(M)) may include Central Processing Units (CPUs),Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Network ProcessingUnits (NPUs), line cards, optics components (such as pluggable opticsand/or optical transceivers), etc.

The term “control plane component” may refer to a component of anetworking device that is configured to perform control planeoperations. A control plane refers to a part of the networking devicearchitecture responsible for how and where the data plane forwards thenetwork communications. A specific example of control plane components(e.g., control plane component 155, control plane components170(1)-170(N), and control plane components 185(1)-185(M)) may includeCPUs.

The term “management plane component” may refer to a component of anetworking device that is configured to perform management planeoperations. A management plane refers to a part of the networking devicearchitecture responsible for communicating with a network managemententity configured to configure and monitor the networking device. Forexample, the management plane component may be configured to communicatewith the network management entity using Model-Driven Telemetry (MDT)via any suitable protocol such as Network Configuration Protocol(NETCONF), RESTCONF, etc. A specific example of management planecomponents (e.g., management plane component 160, management planecomponents 175(1)-175(N), and management plane components 190(1)-190(M))may include CPUs.

Monitoring the environmental sustainability of a networking device canbe a highly complex task. The power/energy consumption of a givennetworking device can vary greatly depending on the specific functionsthat the networking device performs, and how the networking deviceimplements those functions. For example, the power consumption of anetworking device can depend on the compute actions performed by thenetworking device (if any), the type of interface (e.g., physicalinterface) used to transport packets, the network protocol(s) for whichthe networking device is configured, the type of routing, etc. Thisproblem compounds for a networking system, which can include hundreds oreven thousands of different networking devices.

Accordingly, to monitor and improve the environmental sustainability ofa networking device and/or system, sustainability logic 195 is providedon sustainability server 120. In one example, sustainability server 120may obtain power consumption data of a networking device (e.g., AP 110,firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers 140(1)-140(N), switches145(1)-145(M), one or more servers, etc.), and analyze the powerconsumption data, on a per-plane basis. That is, for a given networkingdevice, sustainability server 120 may obtain data indicating the powerconsumed by a data plane component, a control plane component, and/or amanagement plane component. By analyzing the power consumption data on aper-plane basis, sustainability server 120 may monitor—and evenimprove—the environmental sustainability of the networking device.

In a further example, based on the power consumption data,sustainability server 120 may compute an individual sustainability scorethat indicates a level of environmental sustainability of the networkingdevice. The individual sustainability score may be a user-accessible,numerical value that indicates the environmental impact of a networkingdevice. For instance, sustainability server 120 may provide theindividual sustainability score to a network administrator of datacenter 125.

The individual sustainability score may provide all-encompassing, easyto consume, actionable data to help enterprises achieve sustainabilitygoals. In one example, in response to analyzing the power consumptiondata on a per-plane basis, sustainability server 120 may provide arecommendation to implement a change to a configuration or operatingparameter of the networking device, or to a networking system thatincludes the networking device, to improve the individual sustainabilityscore.

Sustainability server 120 may also monitor and improve the environmentalsustainability of networking system 100 (e.g., for a plurality ofnetworking devices). To that end, for each networking device,sustainability server 120 may obtain power consumption data on aper-plane basis, analyze the power consumption data on a per-planebasis, and compute an individual sustainability score. Based on theindividual sustainability score for each networking device,sustainability server 120 may compute a global sustainability score thatindicates a level of environmental sustainability of networking system100. In response to analyzing the power consumption data for eachnetworking device on a per-plane basis, sustainability server 120 mayprovide a recommendation to implement a change to a configuration oroperating parameter of one or more of the networking devices, or tonetworking system 100, to improve the global sustainability score.

It will be appreciated that the techniques described herein may becompatible with networking system 100 or any other suitable networkingsystem. For example, while networking system 100 includes AP 110, inother examples, user device 105 may be connected to network 115 via awire. Furthermore, while firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135, routers140(1)-140(N), and switches 145(1)-145(M) are located in data center125, the techniques described herein may apply to networking devices inany suitable location/configuration (e.g., the networking devices neednot necessarily be part of a data center).

Techniques described herein may apply to any suitable networking devicesthat have data plane components, control plane components, and/ormanagement plane components, such as firewalls, gateways,load-balancers, routers, switches, Internet of Things (IoT) devices,APs, servers, etc. The networking devices need not necessarily includeeach of a data plane component, control plane component, and managementplane component. The networking devices may be hardware, software (e.g.,virtual), and/or a combination of hardware and software.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart ofa method 200 for computing an individual sustainability score thatindicates a level of environmental sustainability of a networkingdevice, according to an example embodiment. Initially, at operations 210and 220, sustainability server 120 may obtain power consumption data ofa networking device (e.g., one of firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135,routers 140(1)-140(N), or switches 145(1)-145(M)) on a per-plane basis.

More specifically, at operation 210, a collector may collectmeasurements (e.g., telemetry data/readings) from the networking device.The measurements may include power consumption data and/or interfacecounters or other indicators of the plane and component that consumedthe power. For example, the measurements may indicate that a givenamount of power was consumed in a management plane CPU, a control planeCPU, or in a data plane CPU, ASIC, or physical interface (e.g., anoptics component).

The networking device may stream/transport the measurements to thecollector via MDT. The networking device may transport the measurementsperiodically (e.g., once every thirty seconds), and the collector mayaccumulate the measurements periodically (e.g., once per minute).

The collector may be located on or remote from sustainability server120. If remote, the collector may provide the measurements tosustainability server 120 when the measurements are received (e.g., onceevery thirty seconds), when the measurements are accumulated (e.g., onceevery minute), or after a collection period has expired (e.g., onceevery hour). Regardless of whether the collector is located on or remotefrom sustainability server 120, sustainability server 120 may obtainpower consumption data on a per-plane basis. For example, sustainabilityserver 120 may obtain power consumption data of one or more data planecomponents (e.g., one or more optics components) of the networkingdevice, one or more control plane components of the networking device,and/or one or more management plane components of the networking device.

A specific example of collected measurements is provided as follows. Inthis example, the unit of power is mW and may be represented in dBm. Thescale of conversion may be −10 dBm to 0.1 mW.

From Control Plane Component

  { “Timestamp”: 1616651029143, “Keys”: { “location”: “0/RSP0”, “pem”:“0/RSP0” }, “Content”: { “card-type”: { “value”: “0/RSP0” }, “pem-id”: {“value”: “A99-RSP-SE” }, “power-allocated”: 350, “power-consumed”: {“value”: “268” },Corresponding Bytes Transmitted and Received for the Same Time Period

  “Timestamp”: 1616651029655, “Keys”: { “interface-name”:“MgmtEth0/RSP0/CPU0/0” }, “Content”: { “applique”: 0,“availability-flag”: 0, “broadcast-packets-received”: 6003,“broadcast-packets-sent”: 0, “bytes-received”: 2224666, “bytes-sent”:5712806,From Data Plane CPU or ASIC:

  { “Timestamp”: 1616651029215, “Keys”: { “location”: “0/FC0”, “pem”:“0/FC0” }, “Content”: { “card-type”: { “value”: “0/FC0” }, “pem-id”: {“value”: “A99-SFC-S” }, “Power-allocated”: 95, “Power-consumed”: {“value”: “43” },Corresponding Bytes Transmitted and Received for the Same Time Period

  { “Timestamp”: 1616651029655, “Keys”: { “interface-name”:“HundredGigE0/2/0/0” }, “Content”: { “applique”: 0, “Availability-flag”:0, “Broadcast-packets-received”: 0, “Broadcast-packets-sent”: 0,“Bytes-received”: 1327519, }From data plane optics component:

  { “Timestamp”: 1616651093026, “Keys”: { “name”: “Optics0/2/0/1” },“Content”: { “alarm-detected”: “true”, “Derived-optics-type”: “100G CPAKSR4” “Display-volt-temp”: “true”, “dwdm-carrier-band”: “c-band”,receive-power”: −10, “transmit-power”: −10 }

At operation 220, the collector determines whether an elapsed time isless than the collection period (e.g., one hour). If so, the collectorcontinues collecting measurements, and if not, the collector proceeds tooperations 230 and 240. Thus, the collector may aggregate the powerconsumed (and data transmitted and received) over the course of thecollection period (e.g., one hour) before proceeding to operations 230and 240.

At operation 230, based on the measurements, sustainability server 120divides one or more dynamic components of the individual sustainabilityscore by the bytes transmitted and received on the respective planecomponent(s). The dynamic components may include, for the collectionperiod: (1) power consumed by management plane components; (2) powerconsumed by control plane components; and (3) power consumed by dataplane components. Accordingly, sustainability server 120 may divide (1)the power consumed by management plane components by the total bytestransmitted and received by the management plane components; (2) thepower consumed by control plane components by the total bytestransmitted and received by the control plane components; and/or (3) thepower consumed by data plane components by the total bytes transmittedand received by the data plane components.

Thus, for each plane component (e.g., interface, ASIC, CPU, etc.),sustainability server 120 may divide the power consumed by the traffic(e.g., data bytes) transported within the same time interval (collectionperiod). The result may represent the power consumed by the respectiveplane components to transport a byte of data.

Before, during, or after performing operation 230, sustainability server120 may perform operation 240. At operation 240, sustainability server120 divides a static (or nearly static) component of the individualscore by the total bytes transmitted and received by the networkingdevice (e.g., total bytes transmitted and received by the management,control, and data plane components of the networking devices). Thestatic component may include one or more of the power consumed by amanufacturing process, a shipping/transport process, or an installationprocess for the networking device.

In one example, the power consumed may be amortized over some period oftime (e.g., seven years). As a result, the static component may becomputed as an amortized equipment cost per hour. For example, thestatic component may be equal to (power consumed by the manufacturingprocess+power consumed by the shipping process+power consumed by theinstallation process)/(assumed equipment lifetime in hours).Sustainability server 120 may calculate the static component whenprompted, or may obtain the static component as a pre-set value.

At operation 250, sustainability server 120 may add outputs ofoperations 230 and 240 to compute the individual sustainability score.In one example, the individual sustainability score may be calculated asDPF+CPF+MPF+AM, where DPF is the data plane power consumed/data handled(e.g., including optics power consumed/data handled), CPF is the controlplane power consumed/data handled, MPF is the management plane powerconsumed/data handled, and AM=amortized equipment cost/hour/datahandled. The data handled may be equal to the bytes received/hour+bytestransmitted/hour. In this example, DPF, CPF, and MPF may be outputs ofoperation 230, and AM may be an output of operation 240.

At operation 260, sustainability server 120 arrives at the individualsustainability score. The individual sustainability score may indicatethe sustainability (e.g., the physical environmental impact) of aproduct or technology (e.g., networking device). In one example, thesmaller the individual sustainability score, the more sustainable (e.g.,environmentally friendly) the product. As the data handled by thenetworking device increases, the sustainability score may decrease. As aresult, if the networking device experiences short bursts of packetsthat cause a CPU of the networking device to consume a large amount ofpower, the individual sustainability score may be high even though thedata handled over the course of the collection period may be relativelysmall. Thus, the individual sustainability score may capture theinefficiencies of a networking device without necessarily penalize anetworking device for being heavily used.

Sustainability server 120 may compute the individual sustainabilityscore of a networking device at different instances (e.g., for multiplecollection periods). The individual sustainability score may changebased on the overall configuration of a networking device or networkingdevices in networking system 100. For instance, a more complexconfiguration may place a greater burden on a CPU of the networkingdevice. In one specific example, an increase in the number of “hellos”in Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) to msecs may impact thepower in many areas, such as CPUs, ASICs, optics, etc. Thus, theindividual sustainability score may vary across collection periods basedon the power consumed and packets transported during the collectionperiods.

Sustainability server 120 may compute the individual sustainabilityscore based on one or more factors (e.g., independent variables) inaddition or alternative to the static and dynamic components discussedabove. The factors may include: whether input power/electricity suppliedto the networking device is provided by a green source; the age, type,and use of the networking device; the location (e.g., country) of thenetworking device (since the conversion from CO₂ emissions to kilowattsper hours can be computed differently in different countries); powerconsumption per byte; levels of network traffic at different times; timeof day/week/month/year/etc.; the circular economy factors (the “5Rs”:recycle, reuse, reduce, refuse, and repurpose); Business Unit (BU);manufacturing process; global and local regulatory compliances; etc.

Sustainability server 120 may analyze the power consumption data on aper-plane basis and, in response, provide a recommendation to implementa change to a configuration or operating parameter of the networkingdevice, or to a networking system that includes the networking device,to improve the individual sustainability score. In one example, thenetworking device may monitor the power consumed by various componentsof the networking device and determine whether the networking device isconsuming power beyond some threshold. The threshold may be a percentageof rated power (e.g., 70% or 75%), as rated in manufacturing and inaccordance with local regulations.

When the consumed power exceeds the threshold, sustainability server 120may perform the analysis; when the consumed power is below thethreshold, sustainability server 120 may refrain from performing theanalysis. Thus, the threshold may effectively limit the number ofnetworking devices that are subject to the analysis, allowingsustainability server 120 to avoid wasting computing resources onanalyzing networking devices whose individual sustainability scores arealready acceptable (e.g., networking devices whose consumed power isbelow the threshold).

If the consumed power exceeds the threshold, sustainability server 120may perform a time series analysis on the telemetry data of thenetworking device. The time series analysis may reveal whether and howthe sustainability of the networking device changes over time. Forexample, sustainability server 120 may determine whether the networkingdevice impacts the environment differently at different times (e.g., atdifferent times of the day, the week, the month, the year, etc.).Sustainability server 120 may perform the time series analysis on aper-plane basis. For example, before performing the time seriesanalysis, sustainability server 120 may split the power consumption databased on the data, control, and management plane components (e.g., CPU,ASIC, optical interface, etc.). Sustainability server 120 may thenperform the time series analysis on each plane (e.g., on each groupingof component(s) corresponding to a given plane).

With continuing reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 illustrates a collection ofgraphs 300 that show the results of an analysis of the power consumptionof a networking device over time, according to an example embodiment.The results may be for a specific plane (e.g., one of a data, control,or management plane) of the networking device. Graphs 300 includeobserved power consumption graph 310, power consumption trend graph 320,seasonal power consumption graph 330, and residual power consumptiongraph 340.

Observed power consumption graph 310 shows the total power consumed by aspecific plane of the networking device over time. Power consumptiontrend graph 320, seasonal power consumption graph 330, and residualpower consumption graph 340 may each show a portion of the total powerconsumed. Thus, adding the data shown in the power consumption trendgraph 320, seasonal power consumption graph 330, and residual powerconsumption graph 340 may reproduce observed power consumption graph310.

Power consumption trend graph 320 shows an overall pattern or direction(if any) of the power consumption of the specific plane of thenetworking device. In this example, the power consumption trend graph320 shows an overall upward trend, meaning that the networking devicehas been consuming more and more power over time. Seasonal powerconsumption graph 330 shows one or more periodic variations in the powerconsumption of the specific plane of the networking device. For example,the networking device may consume more power during the day than atnight, or during the weekdays rather than during the weekends. Residualpower consumption graph 340 shows remaining (e.g., random) powerconsumption of the specific plane of the networking device.

Sustainability server 120 may perform a time series analysis on thepower consumption data shown in observed power consumption graph 310 tocompute/determine the trend, seasonality, and residual data shown inpower consumption trend graph 320, seasonal power consumption graph 330,and residual power consumption graph 340. The time series analysis mayreveal whether there is any upward or downward trend or seasonality inpower consumption for the networking device. In this example, thespecific plane of the networking device is experiencing an upward trendin power consumption. Sustainability server 120 may perform the timeseries analysis using any suitable techniques, such as via open sourcesoftware.

In response to the analysis, sustainability server 120 may provide arecommendation to implement a change to a configuration or operatingparameter of the networking device, or to a networking system thatincludes the networking device, to improve the individual sustainabilityscore of the networking device. For instance, based on the analysis,sustainability server 120 may predict a future power consumption trendof the networking device (e.g., predict when the networking device willreach 100% of the rated power). The recommendations may be intended toreverse an upward trend in power consumption.

In one example, sustainability server 120 may provide feedback for auser to improve the power consumption of the networking device. Inanother example, sustainability server 120 may implement the change tothe configuration or operating parameter of the networking device or tothe networking system to improve the individual sustainability score.Thus, the recommendation(s) may be implemented manually (e.g., by auser) or automatically (e.g., by sustainability server 120).

Examples of recommendations may include:

-   -   Networking device under-utilized during non-business hours;        consider powering off or shifting some workloads to those hours    -   Edge device is over-consuming power in its data plane; consider        moving traffic to another edge device, in the same data center,        that is under-utilized.    -   Teleconferencing application is under-utilized; consider using        the teleconferencing application with camera to save on time and        travel.    -   CPU is over-utilized; because video calls with high-definition        video settings can translate to high CPU utilization, consider        using video optimization for optimal efficiency during video        calls.    -   Power consumption peaks at 10:00 AM, when power costs in City X        are highest; consider moving traffic for a backup at a        lower-cost time (which may vary based on the destination(s)).    -   Switch to a different physical interface that is unused.    -   Reduce or move data plane traffic to a different networking        device that performs the same function (e.g., core routing) but        is under-utilized with respect to power.    -   Reduce the number of routes that the networking device is        handling in the control plane.    -   This networking device is part of a return program; schedule        pickup via an application or at this link: [link].    -   This networking device is eligible for remanufacture; see        advantages and improvements here: [link].    -   This networking device could be replaced with a more efficient        networking device: [link].

The recommendations, when implemented, may improve the individualsustainability score of the networking device. In addition to suggestingchanges, the recommendations may include an indication of how much powerconsumption would be saved by implementing the change. When extrapolatedover thousands of networking devices, the recommendations could savesignificant power consumption.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart ofa method 400 for computing a global sustainability score that indicatesa level of environmental sustainability of a networking system andproviding a recommendation to improve the global sustainability score,according to an example embodiment. At operation 410, sustainabilityserver 120 obtains a plurality of individual sustainability scores eachindicating a level of environmental sustainability of a networkingdevice in data center 125 (e.g., firewall/gateway/load-balancer 135,routers 140(1)-140(N), and switches 145(1)-145(M)). In one example,sustainability server 120 may obtain power consumption data of each ofthe networking devices on a per-plane basis, and, based on the powerconsumption data, compute each of the individual sustainability scores.

At operation 420, sustainability server 120 stores the individualsustainability scores in a data store. The data store may be local to orremote from sustainability server 120. For example, the data store maybe memory that is integrated with sustainability server 120 or in thecloud. At operation 430, based on the individual sustainability scorefor each networking device of the plurality of networking devices,sustainability server 120 computes a global sustainability score. Theglobal sustainability score may indicate a level of environmentalsustainability of networking system 100 (e.g., data center 125).

Because it is computed based on the individual sustainability scores,the global sustainability score may consider the dynamic nature of thesustainability of one or more networking devices in the networkingsystem. The global sustainability score may be a current or predictedglobal sustainability score. A current global sustainability score mayindicate the current level of environmental sustainability of networkingsystem 100. A predicted global sustainability score may indicate apredicted level of environmental sustainability of networking system 100for some amount of time in the future (e.g., one hour).

Sustainability server 120 may compute the global sustainability scoreusing a Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model. Sustainability server120 may compute the global sustainability score (e.g., a dependentvariable) from multiple independent variables. In one example, theglobal sustainability score may equal A+B1(X1)+B2(X2)+B3(X3)+B4(X4)+ . .. , where A corresponds to a static component (e.g., the amortized costof energy spent in manufacturing, shipping, and installation of thenetworking devices), and Bi is the weighted factor for an independentvariable Xi.

Thus, in addition or alternative to the individual sustainabilityscores, sustainability server 120 may also compute the globalsustainability score based on one or more current or assumed factors(e.g., independent variables). The assumed factors may be for an amountof time in the future (e.g., one hour). The factors may includeconfigurations or operating parameters of the networking devices ornetworking system 100. For example, the factors may include: whetherelectricity (input power) supplied to data center 125 is provided by agreen source; the ages, types, and uses of the networking devices innetworking system 100 (e.g., in data center 125); the location (e.g.,country) of the networking devices; power consumption per byte; levelsof network traffic at different times; time of day/week/month/year/etc.;the circular economy factors (the 5Rs); BU; manufacturing process;global and local regulatory compliances; etc.

At operation 440, sustainability server 120 determines whether theglobal sustainability score is in a “green region,” indicating thatnetworking system 100 is environmentally sustainable. In one example,sustainability server 120 may determine whether the globalsustainability score is above or below a given threshold. Sustainabilityserver 120 may analyze the power consumption data for each networkingdevice on a per-plane basis to make the determination.

In response to analyzing the power consumption data for each networkingdevice on the per-plane basis, sustainability server 120 may provide arecommendation to implement a change to a configuration or operatingparameter of one or more networking devices of the plurality ofnetworking devices, or to the networking system, to improve the globalsustainability score. More specifically, if the global sustainabilityscore is in the green region, at operation 450, sustainability server120 may report the global sustainability score (e.g., to the user). Or,if the global sustainability score is not in the green region, atoperation 460, sustainability server 120 provides a recommendation(e.g., to the user) to implement the assumed factors. Sustainabilityserver 120 may then return to operation 430, where sustainability server120 may compute another global sustainability score based on a differentset of assumed factors.

Sustainability server 120 may continue iterating between operations 430and 440 until a global sustainability score is determined to be in thegreen region, at which point, sustainability server 120 may provide arecommendation to implement the corresponding assumed factors. Therecommendation may be implemented manually (e.g., by a user) orautomatically (e.g., by sustainability server 120). Thus, sustainabilityserver 120 may create a feedback loop to show solution costs atdifferent times of the day to curb and/or reverse any trends ofincreasing power in certain networking devices and policies.

Though the task of determining sustainability may becomplex—particularly for solutions with multiple networking devices,such as data center 125—sustainability server 120 may identify thecombinations of networking devices and functions at the appropriatetimes that will achieve the target global sustainability score (e.g., inthe green region). As a result, sustainability server 120 may helpimplement an environmentally optimal solution. Sustainability server 120may provide the recommendations before changes to data center 125 areimplemented. The recommendations may be provided at the device-leveland/or at the system-level. To provide the latest innovations andinsights for improved efficiency and utilization, the recommendationsmay be reviewed and updated regularly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 for improving theenvironmental sustainability of a networking system, according to anexample embodiment. In one example, method 500 may be performed bysustainability server 120 (FIG. 1 ). Briefly, factors 502, 504, and 506may be input into sustainability score computation process 508, whichmay in turn output individual networking device recommendations 510 and512, global networking system recommendations 514, and globalsustainability score 516. Factors 502 may include (or be based on)device-level assets, factors 504 system-level assets, and factors 506considerations relating to the circular economy (e.g., the 5Rs).

The device-level assets of factors 502 may be manufactured by one ormore vendors, and may include hardware and/or software. For a firstnetworking device, factors 502 may include static component 518, dynamiccomponent 520, manufacturing information 522, and global/localregulatory compliance policies 524. Static component 518 and dynamiccomponent 520 may be similar to the static and dynamic componentsdiscussed above. For example, static component 518 may be the amortizedpower consumed by a manufacturing process, a shipping/transport process,or an installation process for the first networking device. Meanwhile,dynamic component 520 may be the power consumed by the data, control,and management plane components of the first networking device for agiven period of time. Manufacturing information 522 may be the ratedpower of the first networking device.

At operation 526, dynamic component 520 may be compared withmanufacturing information 522 to determine the difference between thepower consumed by dynamic component 520 and a threshold (e.g., apercentage of the rated power). If the difference is positive (e.g., ifthe power consumed by dynamic component 520 is greater than thethreshold), then at operation 528 an analysis (e.g., a time-seriesanalysis) may be performed on the first networking device. Based on theanalysis, trends 529 (e.g., seasonability, traffic conditions, etc.) maybe discovered for the first networking device. If the difference isnegative (e.g., if the power consumed by dynamic component 520 is lessthan the threshold), then the analysis may not be performed on the firstnetworking device.

For a second networking device, factors 502 may include dynamiccomponent 530, manufacturing information 532, static component 534, andglobal/local regulatory compliance policies 536. Static component 534and dynamic component 530 may be similar to the static and dynamiccomponents discussed above. For example, static component 534 may be theamortized power consumed by a manufacturing process, ashipping/transport process, or an installation process for the secondnetworking device. Meanwhile, dynamic component 530 may be the powerconsumed by power the data, control, and management plane components ofthe second networking device for a given period of time. Manufacturinginformation 532 may be the rated power of the second networking device.

At operation 538, dynamic component 530 may be compared withmanufacturing information 532 to determine the difference between thepower consumed by dynamic component 530 and a threshold (e.g., apercentage of the rated power). If the difference is positive (e.g., ifthe power consumed by dynamic component 530 is greater than thethreshold), then at operation 540 an analysis (e.g., a time-seriesanalysis) may be performed on the second networking device. If thedifference is negative (e.g., if the power consumed by dynamic component520 is less than the threshold), then the analysis may not be performedon the second networking device.

Factors 502 may include assets relating to any suitable number ofnetworking devices. Assets 542 may represent a static component, dynamiccomponent, manufacturing information, and global/local regulatorycompliance policies for an Nth networking device, as well as trends forthe Nth networking device. Assets 542 may further include operationssimilar to operations 526 and 538, and operations 528 and 540, for theNth networking device.

Sustainability score computation process 508 may obtain certain datafrom factors 502, such as the type of the networking device, country ofthe networking device, regulatory compliance policies for the country,the threshold, and the actual/real usage (e.g., power consumed). Thefirst networking device may be an older Cisco® 9000 Series AggregationServices Router (ASR9k) located in Spain, which may have a regulatorycompliance policy dictating a maximum acceptable power consumption of 50W for the older ASR9k. The threshold for the older ASR9k may be 45 W,and the actual usage for the older ASR9k may be 52 W. The secondnetworking device may be a Cisco® 5000 Series Aggregation ServicesRouter (ASR5k) located in Spain, which may have a regulatory compliancepolicy dictating a maximum acceptable power consumption of 50 W for theASR5k. The threshold for the ASR5k may be 45 W, and the actual usage forthe ASR5k may be 49 W. The Nth networking device may be a newer ASR9klocated in Spain, which may have a regulatory compliance policydictating a maximum acceptable power consumption of 50 W for the newerASR9k. The threshold for the newer ASR9k may be 40 W, and the actualusage for the newer ASR9k may be 39 W.

In one example, the first, second, . . . , Nth networking devices may bepart of the same networking system (e.g., a data center located inSpain). Accordingly, factors 504 may include (or be based on)system-level assets, such as Data Center Factor (DCF) 544, activemeasurements 546, manufacturing information 548, and global/localregulatory compliance policies 550. DCF 544 may include the origin—greenor otherwise—of power supply to the data center. Active measurements 546may include measurements per service, routing decisions, etc.Manufacturing information 548 may include information relating to themanufacturing of the data center. Global/local regulatory compliancepolicies 550 may include policies for the location of the data center.

Sustainability score computation process 508 may include sustainabilityscore generator 552 and solution generator 554. Sustainability scoregenerator 552 may include a system for composing one or moresustainability scores, including individual sustainability scores forthe first, second, . . . , Nth networking devices and globalsustainability score 516 for the data center. In addition to theindividual sustainability scores and global sustainability score 516,sustainability score generator 552 may be configured to outputindividual networking device recommendations 510 for improving theindividual sustainability score of the first networking device,individual networking device recommendations 512 for improving theindividual sustainability score of the second networking device, andglobal networking system recommendations 514 for improving globalsustainability score 516. Solution generator 554 may dynamicallygenerate a set of assets (e.g., suggested assets) based on theindividual sustainability scores and/or global sustainability score 516.

In one example, sustainability score generator 552 may, in conjunctionwith solution generator 554, use an MLR model to predict how changesmight impact the sustainability of the networking devices and/or datacenter. For example, if a sustainability score is below or above athreshold or target value, sustainability score generator 552 mayidentify specific actions that, if taken, would improve (e.g., raise orlower) the sustainability score. Sustainability score generator 552 mayidentify the specific actions based on the 5Rs such that individualnetworking device recommendations 510 and 512, and global networkingsystem recommendations 514, are aligned with the circular economy. Byincorporating the 5Rs, sustainability score generator 552 may identifyan expanded set of options that relate to the concept(s) of refuse,reduce, reuse, repurpose, and/or recycle. This may ultimately lead tofinancial benefits and improvement of global sustainability score 516.

Sustainability score generator 552 and solution generator 554 mayaccount for any suitable assets corresponding to any suitable number orcombination of networking device(s) and/or system(s). For example,sustainability score generator 552 may utilize input based on the secondnetworking device, the Nth networking device, and the data center,whereas solution generator 554 may utilize input based on the firstnetworking device, the second networking device, and the data center.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate visualization 600 and visualization 700,according to an example embodiment. Visualization 600 displayssustainability information relating to a networking system, andvisualization 700 displays sustainability information relating to anetworking device. Visualizations 600 and 700 may be part of a cloudplatform that shares sustainability scores with users and thereby helpsnetwork vendors, customers, and partners to achieve sustainabledevelopment goals/targets. In one example, the cloud platform maycompare sustainability scores of networking devices and systems fromdifferent vendors and provide recommendations to improve theenvironmental footprint of the networking device(s)/system(s).

With specific reference to FIG. 6 , visualization 600 displayssustainability information relating to a networking system, according toan example embodiment. Visualization 600 includes assets and coveragewindow 610, sustainability window 620, lifecycle window 630, andadvisories window 640. Assets and coverage window 610 may display avalue (e.g., 61%) that represents a level of support that is availablefor the networking system. Sustainability window 620 may display theglobal sustainability score of the networking system (e.g., 65%).Lifecycle window 630 may display the lifecycle stage of the networkingsystem. Advisories window 640 may display links to recommendations forimproving the global sustainability score of the networking system. In afurther example, visualization 600 may also display a predicted globalsustainability score that would apply to the networking system if therecommendations are implemented.

FIG. 7 illustrates a visualization 700 that displays sustainabilityinformation relating to a networking device in a networking system,according to an example embodiment. Visualization 700 includes assetswindow 710, sustainability window 720, and detail window 730. Assetswindow 710 displays the total number of networking devices in thenetworking system (e.g., 343 networking devices). Sustainability window720 displays the individual sustainability score (e.g., 20) and a linkto the recommendations for improving the individual sustainabilityscore. Detail window 730 displays information about the networkingdevice, such as the networking device name, product identifier,description, serial number, lifecycle rating, environmental impact whenin use (measured in CO₂ equivalent), and recommendation for improvingthe individual sustainability score. In this example, the recommendationis to consider turning off the networking device during non-workinghours. In a further example, visualization 700 may also display apredicted individual sustainability score that would apply to thenetworking device if the recommendation is implemented.

Referring to FIG. 8 , FIG. 8 illustrates a hardware block diagram of acomputing device 800 that may perform functions associated withoperations discussed herein in connection with the techniques depictedin FIGS. 1-7 . In various embodiments, a computing device, such ascomputing device 800 or any combination of computing devices 800, may beconfigured as any entity/entities as discussed for the techniquesdepicted in connection with FIGS. 1-7 in order to perform operations ofthe various techniques discussed herein.

In at least one embodiment, computing device 800 may include one or moreprocessor(s) 802, one or more memory element(s) 804, storage 806, a bus808, one or more network processor unit(s) 810 interconnected with oneor more network input/output (I/O) interface(s) 812, one or more I/Ointerface(s) 814, and control logic 820. In various embodiments,instructions associated with logic for computing device 800 can overlapin any manner and are not limited to the specific allocation ofinstructions and/or operations described herein.

In at least one embodiment, processor(s) 802 is/are at least onehardware processor configured to execute various tasks, operationsand/or functions for computing device 800 as described herein accordingto software and/or instructions configured for computing device 800.Processor(s) 802 (e.g., a hardware processor) can execute any type ofinstructions associated with data to achieve the operations detailedherein. In one example, processor(s) 802 can transform an element or anarticle (e.g., data, information) from one state or thing to anotherstate or thing. Any of potential processing elements, microprocessors,digital signal processor, baseband signal processor, modem, PHY,controllers, systems, managers, logic, and/or machines described hereincan be construed as being encompassed within the broad term ‘processor’.

In at least one embodiment, memory element(s) 804 and/or storage 806is/are configured to store data, information, software, and/orinstructions associated with computing device 800, and/or logicconfigured for memory element(s) 804 and/or storage 806. For example,any logic described herein (e.g., control logic 820) can, in variousembodiments, be stored for computing device 800 using any combination ofmemory element(s) 804 and/or storage 806. Note that in some embodiments,storage 806 can be consolidated with memory elements 804 (or viceversa), or can overlap/exist in any other suitable manner.

In at least one embodiment, bus 808 can be configured as an interfacethat enables one or more elements of computing device 800 to communicatein order to exchange information and/or data. Bus 808 can be implementedwith any architecture designed for passing control, data and/orinformation between processors, memory elements/storage, peripheraldevices, and/or any other hardware and/or software components that maybe configured for computing device 800. In at least one embodiment, bus808 may be implemented as a fast kernel-hosted interconnect, potentiallyusing shared memory between processes (e.g., logic), which can enableefficient communication paths between the processes.

In various embodiments, network processor unit(s) 810 may enablecommunication between computing device 800 and other systems, entities,etc., via network I/O interface(s) 812 to facilitate operationsdiscussed for various embodiments described herein. In variousembodiments, network processor unit(s) 810 can be configured as acombination of hardware and/or software, such as one or more Ethernetdriver(s) and/or controller(s) or interface cards, Fibre Channel (e.g.,optical) driver(s) and/or controller(s), and/or other similar networkinterface driver(s) and/or controller(s) now known or hereafterdeveloped to enable communications between computing device 800 andother systems, entities, etc. to facilitate operations for variousembodiments described herein. In various embodiments, network I/Ointerface(s) 812 can be configured as one or more Ethernet port(s),Fibre Channel ports, and/or any other I/O port(s) now known or hereafterdeveloped. Thus, the network processor unit(s) 810 and/or network I/Ointerfaces 812 may include suitable interfaces for receiving,transmitting, and/or otherwise communicating data and/or information ina network environment.

I/O interface(s) 814 allow for input and output of data and/orinformation with other entities that may be connected to computingdevice 800. For example, I/O interface(s) 814 may provide a connectionto external devices such as a keyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/orany other suitable input device now known or hereafter developed. Insome instances, external devices can also include portable computerreadable (non-transitory) storage media such as database systems, thumbdrives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. In stillsome instances, external devices can be a mechanism to display data to auser, such as, for example, a computer monitor, a display screen, or thelike.

In various embodiments, control logic 820 can include instructions that,when executed, cause processor(s) 802 to perform operations, which caninclude, but not be limited to, providing overall control operations ofcomputing device 800; interacting with other entities, systems, etc.described herein; maintaining and/or interacting with stored data,information, parameters, etc. (e.g., memory element(s), storage, datastructures, databases, tables, etc.); combinations thereof; and/or thelike to facilitate various operations for embodiments described herein.

The programs described herein (e.g., control logic 820) may beidentified based upon application(s) for which they are implemented in aspecific embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that anyparticular program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience;thus, embodiments herein should not be limited to use(s) solelydescribed in any specific application(s) identified and/or implied bysuch nomenclature.

In various embodiments, entities as described herein may storedata/information in any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile memoryitem (e.g., magnetic hard disk drive, solid state hard drive,semiconductor storage device, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read OnlyMemory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.), software, logic (fixed logic, hardwarelogic, programmable logic, analog logic, digital logic), hardware,and/or in any other suitable component, device, element, and/or objectas may be appropriate. Any of the memory items discussed herein shouldbe construed as being encompassed within the broad term ‘memoryelement’. Data/information being tracked and/or sent to one or moreentities as discussed herein could be provided in any database, table,register, list, cache, storage, and/or storage structure: all of whichcan be referenced at any suitable timeframe. Any such storage optionsmay also be included within the broad term ‘memory element’ as usedherein.

Note that in certain example implementations, operations as set forthherein may be implemented by logic encoded in one or more tangible mediathat is capable of storing instructions and/or digital information andmay be inclusive of non-transitory tangible media and/or non-transitorycomputer readable storage media (e.g., embedded logic provided in: anASIC, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) instructions, software[potentially inclusive of object code and source code], etc.) forexecution by one or more processor(s), and/or other similar machine,etc. Generally, memory element(s) 804 and/or storage 806 can store data,software, code, instructions (e.g., processor instructions), logic,parameters, combinations thereof, and/or the like used for operationsdescribed herein. This includes memory elements 804 and/or storage 806being able to store data, software, code, instructions (e.g., processorinstructions), logic, parameters, combinations thereof, or the like thatare executed to carry out operations in accordance with teachings of thepresent disclosure.

In some instances, software of the present embodiments may be availablevia a non-transitory computer useable medium (e.g., magnetic or opticalmediums, magneto-optic mediums, Compact Disc ROM (CD-ROM), DigitalVersatile Disc (DVD), memory devices, etc.) of a stationary or portableprogram product apparatus, downloadable file(s), file wrapper(s),object(s), package(s), container(s), and/or the like. In some instances,non-transitory computer readable storage media may also be removable.For example, a removable hard drive may be used for memory/storage insome implementations. Other examples may include optical and magneticdisks, thumb drives, and smart cards that can be inserted and/orotherwise connected to computing device 800 for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 for performing functionsassociated with operations discussed herein. Method 900 may be performedby any suitable entity, such as sustainability server 120 (FIG. 1 ). Atoperation 910, sustainability server 120 obtains power consumption dataof a networking device on a per-plane basis. At operation 920, based onthe power consumption data, sustainability server 120 computes anindividual sustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device. At operation 930,sustainability server 120 analyzes the power consumption data on theper-plane basis. At operation 940, in response to analyzing the powerconsumption data on the per-plane basis, sustainability server 120provides a recommendation to implement a change to a configuration oroperating parameter of the networking device, or to a networking systemthat includes the networking device, to improve the individualsustainability score.

Embodiments described herein may include one or more networks, which canrepresent a series of points and/or network elements of interconnectedcommunication paths for receiving and/or transmitting messages (e.g.,packets of information) that propagate through the one or more networks.These network elements offer communicative interfaces that facilitatecommunications between the network elements. A network can include anynumber of hardware and/or software elements coupled to (and incommunication with) each other through a communication medium. Suchnetworks can include, but are not limited to, any Local Area Network(LAN), Virtual LAN (VLAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet),Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN), Wireless Local Area (WLA) access network,Wireless Wide Area (WWA) access network, Metropolitan Area Network(MAN), Intranet, Extranet, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Low PowerNetwork (LPN), Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), Machine to Machine(M2M) network, Internet of Things (IoT) network, Ethernetnetwork/switching system, any other appropriate architecture and/orsystem that facilitates communications in a network environment, and/orany suitable combination thereof.

Networks through which communications propagate can use any suitabletechnologies for communications including wireless communications (e.g.,4G/5G/nG, IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi®/Wi-Fib®), IEEE 802.16 (e.g.,Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)),Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC),Bluetooth™, mm.wave, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), etc.), and/or wiredcommunications (e.g., T1 lines, T3 lines, digital subscriber lines(DSL), Ethernet, Fibre Channel, etc.). Generally, any suitable means ofcommunications may be used such as electric, sound, light, infrared,and/or radio to facilitate communications through one or more networksin accordance with embodiments herein. Communications, interactions,operations, etc. as discussed for various embodiments described hereinmay be performed among entities that may be directly or indirectlyconnected utilizing any algorithms, communication protocols, interfaces,etc. (proprietary and/or non-proprietary) that allow for the exchange ofdata and/or information.

In various example implementations, entities for various embodimentsdescribed herein can encompass network elements (which can includevirtualized network elements, functions, etc.) such as, for example,network appliances, forwarders, routers, servers, switches, gateways,bridges, load-balancers, firewalls, processors, modules, radioreceivers/transmitters, or any other suitable device, component,element, or object operable to exchange information that facilitates orotherwise helps to facilitate various operations in a networkenvironment as described for various embodiments herein. Note that withthe examples provided herein, interaction may be described in terms ofone, two, three, or four entities. However, this has been done forpurposes of clarity, simplicity and example only. The examples providedshould not limit the scope or inhibit the broad teachings of systems,networks, etc. described herein as potentially applied to a myriad ofother architectures.

Communications in a network environment can be referred to herein as‘messages’, ‘messaging’, ‘signaling’, ‘data’, ‘content’, ‘objects’,‘requests’, ‘queries’, ‘responses’, ‘replies’, etc. which may beinclusive of packets. As referred to herein and in the claims, the term‘packet’ may be used in a generic sense to include packets, frames,segments, datagrams, and/or any other generic units that may be used totransmit communications in a network environment. Generally, a packet isa formatted unit of data that can contain control or routing information(e.g., source and destination address, source and destination port,etc.) and data, which is also sometimes referred to as a ‘payload’,‘data payload’, and variations thereof. In some embodiments, control orrouting information, management information, or the like can be includedin packet fields, such as within header(s) and/or trailer(s) of packets.Internet Protocol (IP) addresses discussed herein and in the claims caninclude any IP version 4 (IPv4) and/or IP version 6 (IPv6) addresses.

To the extent that embodiments presented herein relate to the storage ofdata, the embodiments may employ any number of any conventional or otherdatabases, data stores or storage structures (e.g., files, databases,data structures, data or other repositories, etc.) to store information.

Note that in this Specification, references to various features (e.g.,elements, structures, nodes, modules, components, engines, logic, steps,operations, functions, characteristics, etc.) included in ‘oneembodiment’, ‘example embodiment’, ‘an embodiment’, ‘anotherembodiment’, ‘certain embodiments’, ‘some embodiments’, ‘variousembodiments’, ‘other embodiments’, ‘alternative embodiment’, and thelike are intended to mean that any such features are included in one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure, but may or may notnecessarily be combined in the same embodiments. Each example embodimentdisclosed herein has been included to present one or more differentfeatures. However, all disclosed example embodiments are designed towork together as part of a single larger system or method. Thisdisclosure explicitly envisions compound embodiments that combinemultiple previously-discussed features in different example embodimentsinto a single system or method. Note also that a module, engine, client,controller, function, logic or the like as used herein in thisSpecification, can be inclusive of an executable file comprisinginstructions that can be understood and processed on a server, computer,processor, machine, compute node, combinations thereof, or the like andmay further include library modules loaded during execution, objectfiles, system files, hardware logic, software logic, or any otherexecutable modules.

It is also noted that the operations and steps described with referenceto the preceding figures illustrate only some of the possible scenariosthat may be executed by one or more entities discussed herein. Some ofthese operations may be deleted or removed where appropriate, or thesesteps may be modified or changed considerably without departing from thescope of the presented concepts. In addition, the timing and sequence ofthese operations may be altered considerably and still achieve theresults taught in this disclosure. The preceding operational flows havebeen offered for purposes of example and discussion. Substantialflexibility is provided by the embodiments in that any suitablearrangements, chronologies, configurations, and timing mechanisms may beprovided without departing from the teachings of the discussed concepts.

As used herein, unless expressly stated to the contrary, use of thephrase ‘at least one of’, ‘one or more of’, ‘and/or’, variationsthereof, or the like are open-ended expressions that are bothconjunctive and disjunctive in operation for any and all possiblecombination of the associated listed items. For example, each of theexpressions ‘at least one of X, Y and Z’, ‘at least one of X, Y or Z’,‘one or more of X, Y and Z’, ‘one or more of X, Y or Z’ and ‘X, Y and/orZ’ can mean any of the following: 1) X, but not Y and not Z; 2) Y, butnot X and not Z; 3) Z, but not X and not Y; 4) X and Y, but not Z; 5) Xand Z, but not Y; 6) Y and Z, but not X; or 7) X, Y, and Z.

Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the terms‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’, etc., are intended to distinguish theparticular nouns they modify (e.g., element, condition, node, module,activity, operation, etc.). Unless expressly stated to the contrary, theuse of these terms is not intended to indicate any type of order, rank,importance, temporal sequence, or hierarchy of the modified noun. Forexample, ‘first X’ and ‘second X’ are intended to designate two ‘X’elements that are not necessarily limited by any order, rank,importance, temporal sequence, or hierarchy of the two elements. Furtheras referred to herein, ‘at least one of’ and ‘one or more of’ can berepresented using the ‘(s)’ nomenclature (e.g., one or more element(s)).

In one form, a method is provided. The method comprises: obtaining powerconsumption data of a networking device on a per-plane basis; based onthe power consumption data, computing an individual sustainability scorethat indicates a level of environmental sustainability of the networkingdevice; analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis; andin response to analyzing the power consumption data on the per-planebasis, providing a recommendation to implement a change to aconfiguration or operating parameter of the networking device, or to anetworking system that includes the networking device, to improve theindividual sustainability score.

In one example, the method further comprises: implementing the change tothe configuration or operating parameter of the networking device or tothe networking system to improve the individual sustainability score.

In one example, obtaining the power consumption data on the per-planebasis includes obtaining power consumption data of one or more dataplane components of the networking device. In a further example,obtaining the power consumption data of the one or more data planecomponents of the networking device includes obtaining power consumptiondata of one or more optics components of the networking device.

In one example, obtaining the power consumption data on the per-planebasis includes obtaining power consumption data of one or more controlplane components of the networking device.

In one example, obtaining the power consumption data on the per-planebasis includes obtaining power consumption data of one or moremanagement plane components of the networking device.

In one example, the method further comprises: performing the obtaining,the analyzing, and the computing for each networking device of aplurality of networking devices in the networking system; based on theindividual sustainability score for each networking device of theplurality of networking devices, computing a global sustainability scorethat indicates a level of environmental sustainability of the networkingsystem; and in response to analyzing the power consumption data for eachnetworking device on the per-plane basis, providing a recommendation toimplement a change to a configuration or operating parameter of one ormore networking devices of the plurality of networking devices, or tothe networking system, to improve the global sustainability score.

In one example, the method further comprises: computing the individualsustainability score based further on one or more of a manufacturingprocess, a shipping process, or an installation process for thenetworking device.

In another form, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: anetwork interface configured to obtain or provide networkcommunications; and one or more processors coupled to the networkinterface, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: obtainpower consumption data of a networking device on a per-plane basis;based on the power consumption data, compute an individualsustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device; analyze the power consumptiondata on the per-plane basis; and in response to analyzing the powerconsumption data on the per-plane basis, provide a recommendation toimplement a change to a configuration or operating parameter of thenetworking device, or to a networking system that includes thenetworking device, to improve the individual sustainability score.

In another form, one or more non-transitory computer readable storagemedia are provided. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediaare encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, causethe processor to: obtain power consumption data of a networking deviceon a per-plane basis; based on the power consumption data, compute anindividual sustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device; analyze the power consumptiondata on the per-plane basis; and in response to analyzing the powerconsumption data on the per-plane basis, provide a recommendation toimplement a change to a configuration or operating parameter of thenetworking device, or to a networking system that includes thenetworking device, to improve the individual sustainability score.

One or more advantages described herein are not meant to suggest thatany one of the embodiments described herein necessarily provides all ofthe described advantages or that all the embodiments of the presentdisclosure necessarily provide any one of the described advantages.Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and/ormodifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it isintended that the present disclosure encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and/or modifications as fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: obtaining power consumptiondata of a networking device, on a per-plane basis, with respect to oneor more data plane components, one or more control plane components, andone or more management plane components of the networking device,respectively; based on the power consumption data on the per-planebasis, computing an individual sustainability score that indicates alevel of environmental sustainability of the networking device;analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis with respectto each of the one or more data plane components, the one or morecontrol plane components, and the one or more management planecomponents of the networking device; and in response to analyzing thepower consumption data on the per-plane basis, providing arecommendation to implement a change to a configuration or operatingparameter of the networking device, or to a networking system thatincludes the networking device, to improve the individual sustainabilityscore.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: controlling thenetworking device to implement the change to the configuration oroperating parameter of the networking device or to the networking systemto improve the individual sustainability score.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein obtaining the power consumption data of the one or more dataplane components of the networking device includes obtaining powerconsumption data of one or more optics components of the networkingdevice.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing theobtaining, the computing, and the analyzing for each networking deviceof a plurality of networking devices in the networking system on theper-plane basis; based on the individual sustainability score for eachnetworking device of the plurality of networking devices, computing aglobal sustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking system; and in response to analyzingthe power consumption data for each networking device on the per-planebasis, providing one or more recommendations to implement a change to aconfiguration or operating parameter of one or more networking devicesof the plurality of networking devices, or to the networking system, toimprove the global sustainability score.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: computing the individual sustainability score basedfurther on one or more of a manufacturing process, a shipping process,or an installation process for the networking device.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the analyzing of the power consumption data on theper-plane basis is performed in response to the individualsustainability score exceeding an individual networking devicesustainability threshold.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theanalyzing of the power consumption data on the per-plane basiscomprises: performing a time series analysis on telemetry data of thenetworking device on the per-plane basis with respect to each of the oneor more data plane components, the one or more control plane components,and the one or more management plane components of the networkingdevice, respectively, wherein the time series analysis indicates how thelevel of environmental sustainability of the networking device changesover time with respect to each of the one or more data plane components,the one or more control plane components, and the one or more managementplane components of the networking device.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the computing of the individual sustainability score thatindicates the level of environmental sustainability of the networkingdevice comprises: dividing the power consumption data of the networkingdevice on the per-plane basis with respect to the one or more data planecomponents, the one or more control plane components, and the one ormore management plane components by an amount of data transmitted and/orreceived by the one or more data plane components, the one or morecontrol plane components, and the one or more management planecomponents.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: estimating afuture power consumption trend of the networking device based on theanalyzing of the power consumption data on the per-plane basis, whereinthe recommendation to implement the change to the configuration oroperating parameter of the networking device or to the networking systemto improve the individual sustainability score is based on the futurepower consumption trend of the networking device.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: computing a predicted individualsustainability score that would be obtained if the recommendation toimplement the change to the configuration or operating parameter of thenetworking device or to the networking system is implemented; andoutputting the predicted individual sustainability score along with therecommendation.
 11. An apparatus comprising: a network interfaceconfigured to obtain or provide network communications; and one or moreprocessors coupled to the network interface, wherein the one or moreprocessors are configured to: obtain power consumption data of anetworking device on a per-plane basis, with respect to one or more dataplane components, one or more control plane components, and one or moremanagement plane components of the networking device, respectively;based on the power consumption data on the per-plane basis, compute anindividual sustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device; analyze the power consumptiondata on the per-plane basis with respect to each of the one or more dataplane components, the one or more control plane components, and the oneor more management plane components of the networking device; and inresponse to analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis,provide a recommendation to implement a change to a configuration oroperating parameter of the networking device, or to a networking systemthat includes the networking device, to improve the individualsustainability score.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one ormore processors are further configured to: control the networking deviceto implement the change to the configuration or operating parameter ofthe networking device or to the networking system to improve theindividual sustainability score.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinto obtain the power consumption data of the one or more data planecomponents, the one or more processors are configured to: obtain powerconsumption data of one or more optics components of the networkingdevice.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or moreprocessors are further configured to: obtain the power consumption data,compute the individual sustainability score, and analyze the powerconsumption data for each networking device of a plurality of networkingdevices in the networking system on the per-plane basis; based on theindividual sustainability score for each networking device of theplurality of networking devices, compute a global sustainability scorethat indicates a level of environmental sustainability of the networkingsystem; and in response to analyzing the power consumption data for eachnetworking device on the per-plane basis, providing one or morerecommendations to implement a change to a configuration or operatingparameter of one or more networking devices of the plurality ofnetworking devices, or to the networking system, to improve the globalsustainability score.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one ormore processors are configured to: compute the individual sustainabilityscore based further on one or more of a manufacturing process, ashipping process, or an installation process for the networking device.16. One or more non-transitory computer readable storage media encodedwith instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause theprocessor to: obtain power consumption data of a networking device on aper-plane basis, with respect to one or more data plane components, oneor more control plane components, and one or more management planecomponents of the networking device, respectively; based on the powerconsumption data on the per-plane basis, compute an individualsustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking device; analyze the power consumptiondata on the per-plane basis with respect to each of the one or more dataplane components, the one or more control plane components, and the oneor more management plane components of the networking device; and inresponse to analyzing the power consumption data on the per-plane basis,provide a recommendation to implement a change to a configuration oroperating parameter of the networking device, or to a networking systemthat includes the networking device, to improve the individualsustainability score.
 17. The one or more non-transitory computerreadable storage media of claim 16, wherein the instructions furthercause the processor to: control the networking device to implement thechange to the configuration or operating parameter of the networkingdevice or to the networking system to improve the individualsustainability score.
 18. The one or more non-transitory computerreadable storage media of claim 16, wherein to obtain the powerconsumption data of the one or more data plane components, theinstructions cause the processor to: obtain power consumption data ofone or more optics components of the networking device.
 19. The one ormore non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 16, whereinthe instructions further cause the processor to: obtain the powerconsumption data, compute the individual sustainability score, andanalyze the power consumption data for each networking device of aplurality of networking devices in the networking system on theper-plane basis; based on the individual sustainability score for eachnetworking device of the plurality of networking devices, compute aglobal sustainability score that indicates a level of environmentalsustainability of the networking system; and in response to analyzingthe power consumption data for each networking device on the per-planebasis, providing one or more recommendations to implement a change to aconfiguration or operating parameter of one or more networking devicesof the plurality of networking devices, or to the networking system, toimprove the global sustainability score.
 20. The one or morenon-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 16, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to: compute the individualsustainability score based further on one or more of a manufacturingprocess, a shipping process, or an installation process for thenetworking device.